Tuesday Treasures

September 8, 2015

A.P. English is going to be the death of me, so I'm at least requesting proper grammar on my tombstone, since that will be my cause of death after all. The work load is absolutely ridiculous, and I'm not one to mind working a lot. I just keep reminding myself there is more to life than English. But anyways...

Since being 16, I've gotten to be all cute with Ems. For our first celebratory cute date, we settled on the Egg and I. 

The Egg and I is a regional brunch restaurant chain that I just love. You sit on wooden benches and they give you a whole pot of coffee, which is always a selling point for me. Our cute little brunch date consisted of ordering the same meal (and taking pictures of it), drinking an entire thermos of coffee, and solving all of life's problems. After years of not liking eggs, something in me has changed, and I've recently started to  love omelets and scrambled eggs. Emma and I actually both ended up ordering the Egg Byte Omelet (mine without the mushrooms) with hazelnut coffee. 

Twas a good morning.

One of my favorite aspects of God is his faithfulness. He is exactly who He says He is, and He does exactly what He says He will do, which makes my heart rest at peace and reassures me of my future daily. Over the past few weeks, She Reads Truth  has done a study through Daniel, chapter by chapter from the lions to the dreams and prophecies. 

Daniel is a story of faithfulness on both ends. Daniel remains faithful to God and more importantly, God remains faithful to Daniel. I finished this study on Friday, and looking back, Daniel 10-12 ended up being my favorite. Though I love Daniel's attitude in Daniel 3 ("And if not, He is still good"- Daniel 3:18), Daniel 10-12 impacted me the most. 

You should totally read it for yourself, but in short..

After years of praying for God to let him and his people return to Jerusalem, a decree is issued that allows that, but at this point, Daniel is too old and frail to travel. He knows those who are going will face hardship and he mourns those hardships, so he prays. He prays night and day and fasts for 3 weeks straight for wisdom for the new nation. After 3 weeks, He finally hears back from God in the form of an angel.

Much like us, Daniel had to have been discouraged because he did not hear God. The angel tells Daniel that his prayers were heard on the first day, but the angel was caught in battle against the prince of the kingdom of Persia, a spiritual demon, for 3 weeks. 

It is such a literal depiction of the war going on all around us, but it is also a example of how God allows suffering for greater good. Daniel's persistence until he heard God serves as an example for us, but there was probably also spiritual growth for Daniel, drawing him much closer than ever before. The angel continued on explaining a prophecy so grand that the only One who knows it is the One who holds it in His hands. 

"When evil forces work hard to thwart God's purposes, we can only be sure that something significant is at stake." 

-Missy Fuller, She Reads Truth

I take so much from seeing this example in Daniel. When it feels like there is no answer and you are diligently praying and seeking God, just know that He hears you and He is coming!

She Reads Truth is just starting a new plan, and it's never too late to join! Sign up here to join an amazing community of sisters.

This week has also been full of good music. Maddie and Tae came out with a new album, Thomas Rhett released new singles for his album that is coming soon, Brett Eldredge released "Wanna Be That Song," Ben Rector did too...and he was really the selling point.
I used to say "if it ain't country, it ain't music," but in recent years, I have learned that's not true. Believe it or not, Ben Rector is the one who really made me believe that. I was actually obsessed with "The Walking in Between" for a while, and it is still in the my top 10 favorite albums ever.
He has so much control on his wide range and the right amount of elegance and ease when he belts that is is impossible to not love listening to him. His true lyrics, minimal editing effects, and soothing voice won me over in a heart beat. I'm not too sure what to call his genre...most of his songs are also what I would call "easy listening" or "feel goods." Some are upbeat, cruise worthy songs but some are also slower, bluegrassy love songs. They are also clean and real and pure and cute and I just love him. I also think that personally, he is also a good person. If you ever have a chance to go look through his twitter, check out #BenOnAPlane. Or even just go through his regular tweets. He's funny. He's real. He just seems like a solid guy, you know? (His wife is also a VERY talented writer, this is her latest writing and my current favorite)
"Brand New" is his fifth studio album, sixth released album if 2014's Live in Denver counts, too, but eighth if all of his EP's are included. All of his albums have done exceedingly well on the charts, and he has gone on tour with big names like Dave Barnes and Five for Fighting. I have no doubt that 2015 and "Brand New" will be any different.
You can get "Brand New" through iTunes or Amazon. You can also listen to some of my favorite BR songs through Spotify as you finish reading this post.

My aunt moved to a new apartment this summer, and on Friday, I went down there for the first time since moving all of her boxes. It looks very nice..very Pinterest, if you ask me, but I got to spend some bonding time with her and her roommate. We ate dinner, and I learned to play a new game..It's called Ticket to Ride. 

Your board looks like a map with trains going all directions, from city to city. Basically, your goal is to complete the most/longest routes and to block your opponents' path to complete their routes. I am totally obsessed. I loved it, and I'm buying it as soon as I can. Stephanie said it used to only be sold at Barnes and Noble, but it's available at Amazon, too. (Honestly, what isn't available on Amazon?)

If you even sort of know me, you probably know how excited I was on Saturday, considering college football came back. I got to watch my boys do my favorite thing and sing my favorite song with my favorite people, and I couldn't have been happier. It may have had a 90 minute delay, but rain or shine, it's great to be a Tennessee Vol,

 

xoxo and gbo,

Lauren

Tuesday Treasures

September 1, 2015

I know last week didn't have a Treasures, but I have good reason as to why...for those who didn't know, I turned 16 last Tuesday, which only added things to do and places to go to my ever so busy schedule, leaving no time to blog :(

Over the month of August, I had to read a lot of books, but they were books for school and not my choice. Sin and Syntax is just not my kind of book. Weddings by Bella on the other hand... I'm a sucker for a good, cheesy romance novel, and that is exactly what Thompson wrote. The 4 book series is full of laughter, love, and lots of pastas. Bella Rossi is an adult who is trying to figure out how to manage her family's wedding company while also searching for love. Born into a first generation Italian clan, Bella's roots and habits are very different from the culture of Texas that is around her, so when a couple wants a "boot scootin wedding," Bella is met with a problem and a handsome cowboy. I  swooned throughout the books when they talk about him..I just love good ole southern boys who love Jesus, their mamas, and George.

Whether your from the heart of Texas or from Florence, Italy, you're sure to enjoy hanging out with the Rossi clan through all of their adventures. 

                

All four books are available through Amazon. 

Book 1: Fools Rush In

Book 2: Swinging on a Star

Book 3: It Had to Be You

Book 4: That's Amore

Much like any other families, my family has our own birthday traditions. With my maternal grandparents, we have a dinner of any foods we want (for example: french toast, green bean casserole, ambrosia, and banana pudding for dessert). With my paternal grandparents, we go out to a birthday lunch wherever we want. We typically go out to lunch with them anyway, but we are so bad about going to the same place from week to week (Logans). I decided for my birthday that I didn't want Logans. I wanted the Cool Cafe. After realizing they were open on Sundays, it was decided.

The Cool Cafe is off of Hillsboro Road by Mack Hatcher in Franklin. It's a meat and three with some of the best fried chicken I have ever eaten.

They are known for their chicken, and Sunday was no different. Crunchy, crispy outside and moist, juicy inside. It was delicious. Their okra is also wonderful for those of you who don't like soggy okra either, Their cornbread also deserves honorable mention here because it was very nice, too. Not too dry, but still the traditional cornbread taste in a not so traditional square instead of muffin/

If you're ever out that way, you should definitely stop there. It's never too crowded, it's a relaxed atmosphere, and it's excellent food.

Cool cafe is just the coolest. 

Now being a real, stereotypical teenage girl, I love cheesy stuff. Especially when it is uplifting and encouraging other girls. One of the girls I follow on twitter posted a link to this article.  Comparison is the thief of joy! In these recent weeks, I've really paid attention to that, and noticed how much I compare myself to those around me, but after reading this, I decided 16 is going to be a year of no comparison. I'm never going to get anywhere if I keep comparing myself, so from here on out, I'm proud of who I am and what I've accomplished. And on the days I don't exactly feel this way, I'll fake it until I make it and eventually, I'll really believe it. And you should believe it, too. 

As with any birthday, is it really a birthday if you don't have cake? My other grandparents always have us over for dinner around our birthday and it is any meal we want. This year, it was "tantrum chicken" (aka western chicken), green bean casserole, and mac & cheese with Texas sheet cake and ice cream for dessert. But what you may not know is that Texas sheet cake is no regular cake. Texas sheet cake is far better, and you literally bake it in a baking sheet. It is less dense and the icing on it is thousands of times better than on a standard cake. Once you have Texas sheet cake, you will never go back to regular cake again. 
Betty Crocker actually has a very similar recipe to the one my grandmother uses.  The only difference is that Betty Crocker uses pecans in their icing, and we don't simply because we don't like pecans very much. The next time you have a birthday or a reason to bake, Texas sheet cake would be a nice change from the norm. 

For those of you wondering, I did pass my license test. The test administrator actually said I was an excellent driver, so no worries for you who drive the same roads of WilCo. 

Yes, I will drive safe. Yes, I will drive the speed limit. No, I won't text and drive.
-lauren

Tuesday Treasures

August 18, 2015

It is a rainy Tuesday in Nashville which only makes me want crawl back in bed and finish my book, but sadly, that did not get to happen. There have been many joys this week despite the sad weather. 

For those who didn't know, my grandfather is one of my most favorite people on this planet. He loves me with such a genuine, constant love and is such a role model of mine in every single way. If you know him, you'd know that he is almost always seen with a coffee cup and blue shirt when he teaches his Sunday school class.

On Sunday, I go to meet my parents after service and I am greeted by this:

It turns out that his Sunday School bought a bobble head for him, and the resemblance is uncanny. 

Such a small, humorous gesture of appreciation brought such a smile to my face then, and as I type this, I am grinning ear to ear as well.

If you're interested in a replica bobblehead, check out https://www.likenessme.com/ to order one.

Even in the dark skies, yesterday was filled with color and life because of the Lilly After Party Sale.

Until yesterday, I had never participated in the APS, but I now know I am participating in every other one to come. 

Yall, these deals were crazy.

$298 Annabelle dresses for $99, $69 shorts for $44, $70 scarves for $29. 

It was every Lilly lover's dream.

If my funds were more thorough, I definitely would have bought a few dresses and a scarf or two, but I couldn't swing much more than a top or two.

I purchased the Amelia Island Tunic in Resort White and I am so excited for it to come in. I have wanted a tunic like this for a long while and now, I finally have one. When it comes in, I will be sure to let you know about the fit and wear of it all.

I'm already saving up for the next APS, which happen twice a year so in case you missed out, I'll be sure to post some tips and details for it! 

Much like the south has Cracker Barrels and Waffle Houses, the north has Friendly's. Friendly's is sort of like a Steak n Shake for those who are familiar with that chain. They're known for their ice cream and milkshakes.

When we were in Pennsylvania, I got to taste Friendly's food and desserts multiple times as there was one right next to our hotel at Hershey. 

Their coffee ice cream is my personal favorite, but my mom's favorite is a slice of Watermelon Roll.

Watermelon Roll is basically sherbet ice cream with chocolate chips in the shape on a watermelon. Sadly, they didn't serve it in store and Mom never got her slice of Watermelon Roll Cake while we were up there, but when I was shopping with my grandmother on Saturday and found Friendly's Watermelon Roll Cake. I promptly put it in our buggy and surprised her once I got home.

Her face when she opened it was priceless. I hope I never forget that look of excitement she had. Sure, it was just a piece of ice cream, but it brought so much joy to her that it made my heart happy. 

I know I've sung the praises of She Reads Truth many times before, but they shared a wonderful quote in one of their recent devotionals:

"What I do is because of who I am; what I do does not make me who I am."

Everything I do is because of the events and people and beliefs I have, but what I do does not define all that I am. I am more than my daily cup of coffee or my excitement about new music and concerts. I am more than anything anyone could ever try to make me, and you are, too. Not to get cheesy, but remember this. Don't let anyone try to define you because you can be whoever you want to be.

xo,

lauren 

Tuesday Treasures

August 11, 2015

This week has been so busy. Balancing golf with school and church and babysitting has actually been very hard. I'm typically good about managing my time, but it's hard to manage time you don't have, you know?

Going back to school means going back into dress code. Our dress code is cap sleeves and nothing 6 inches above the knee. My Nike shorts are more than 6 inches above the knee, which means that right there eliminates most of my summer attire. So...we went to Old Navy. I found these jeans, which I am currently wearing as I write this. I have worn Old Navy jeans for as long as I can remember: classic skinny or midrise sweetheart fit since day one. They are cheaper price wise, but just as high quality as department stores. I wear mine out! They come in many different fits, colors, and styles. I guarantee they have a fit that flatters every body type.

If you didn't know, my most recent accomplishment off the golf course was making my grandmother shortcake from scratch (and it turned out totally wonderful. Of course, what is strawberry shortcake without whip cream?

Originally, my plan was to make the shortcake and whip cream from scratch, but I chickened out and just bought a can. I explained this to my grandmother and she insisted that she show me how to make fresh whip cream, so Sunday night, we did just that. Really all you need is a cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix it together with a mixer until peaks form! This makes about 2.5 cups of whip cream, but if you need more, just use the whole pint and double everything else! 

The stuff in the can has nothing on this fresh cream. It is so much richer, and I really do think everyone should try fresh whip cream at least once.

In the summer, I am very very bad about throwing my hair into a messy bun on top of my head. Honestly, it's a good day if I just brush it. I'm very low maintenance, but I do enjoy "dressing up" just as much as the next person. I love how my hair looks when I curl or straighten it. 

For promotion Sunday at church (all the kids and students move up a grade), I decided I was gonna do just that. I used a 1.5 inch Remington curling wand and 1 inch sections of hair. I'm normally not this happy with the curls I get, but I loved these, especially once they relaxed and curled around each other. I'm still trying to master the whole barrel/mermaid curl, but until I can get that, I'll gladly settle for these.

I also broke out my Lilly and Jacks for promotion Sunday :) #lovemyjacks

Part of my morning routine before school is listening to really good, uplifting music to get in a fresh mindset. I typically play my "good morninggg" playlist with Young and Free, Matt Maher, and those kind of people, but I felt adventurous Sunsay morning and played iTunes Radio's Christian station. I lucked out and found a gem. It is Beautiful" by MercyMe.

"Days will come when you don't have the strength

When all you hear is you're not worth anything"

When I first heard this, school was starting in less than 24 hours. I was about to immerse myself in a world full of "you're only as good as your clothes" and "your grades are how I see you." 

I stopped fixing my hair and sat on my bedroom floor with my eyes closed.

"You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His"

For me, it is so easy to believe that my grades are my value and that the score of my golf game is my identity.  And I forget that I am so much more.  I am treasured, sacred, and His. I am not the 42 I shot at Brentwood Country Club. I am not the size of the jeans on my legs. I am not the Vera Bradley lunch box in my hand. I am a child of God who is priceless to the One who gave His life for me. 

Thank you for reminding me, MercyMe. 

Don't you forget it this week either.

xoxox,

Lauren

Tuesday Treasures

August 3, 2015

Life is starting to get crazy and crazier as school beings to approach. It seemed at first glance that I could only see the treasures of life when everything is calm and relaxed, but I'm so thankful that isn't the truth. Though this week has been primarily spent babysitting, there's just as much joy in watching Paw Patrol as traveling the streets of Pennsylvania.

SRT is where it's at, y'all. SRT stands for "She Reads Truth," which is a daily bible study via email or the app. They never fail to have the most wonderful daily devotions. They just completed a study called "Women in the Word" that went through the Bible book by book and studied the lives of the women in the Bible. It covered the majors like Mary and Eve to the unsung heroes such as Joanna and Pilate's Wife. Their devotions are short, but so insanely rich and applicable in any walk of life!

They actually started a new study today called "This is the Gospel," and I know that I personally can not wait to start it. I've been a "she" for almost a year now, and SRT has definitely made a difference in how I look at every situation.

SRT is middle Tennessee based and have writers of all different kinds, but they are all united by a passionate love for Jesus.  

You can sign up for their daily emails here or you can download their app for your iPhone or for your Android.

This past Friday was my grandmother's birthday, and one of the birthday traditions we have on that side is a homemade family dinner. For all of our birthdays, Amma cooks for us, but this year, I decided that I was going to cook dinner for her, and that is exactly what happened. We had chicken enchiladas roll ups and strawberry shortcake. The enchiladas are a family recipe, but when my grandfather and I decided we should make shortcake,  I was a little stumped. Buying the pre-made sponge cakes from Publix just wasn't appealing to me, so I scoured Pinterest and found an excellent shortcake recipe. It claims to be of Amish origin, and I do not doubt that at all.

It takes about 30 minutes and is hundreds of times better than the pre-made ones. This recipe makes a nice biscuity base and delicious flour, sugar, and butter topping.

When I made it, I made 9 servings because I cut the 8x8 pan into 3x3 rows and the serving sizes were just right. 

We did learn that it doesn't keep well over night, so it is best to make it the morning/day of your event.

I got so many complements about this cake and it is so addicting! This recipe is great because the toppings can be way more than just strawberries. My brother put cinnamon on his, and the original author/s dad puts milk on his. The possibilities with this recipe are endless! I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an easy dessert base.

I feel like I'm preaching to the choir when I say coffee is the best conversational drink, but it really is. This week, I got a wonderful opportunity to catch up with a very very dear friend and role model of mine that I look up to with all that is in me, and we caught up over breakfast and coffee. My heart is so full after our conversation, and I am more encouraged than ever. If you're ever trying to get to know someone or to catch up, breakfast and coffee is a great place to start.

Kyle Donn is a genius. This week, I came across an article of his called "Sexy Christianity." I know, you're probably as skeptical as I was when I saw it, too, but believe me, it is worth the read. Not so much focusing on the sexual side of Christianity, Donn questions the "believers" motives who succumb to Christian social trends and reminds all who read that our sights should be on God's approval. Not man's. Check it out when you have 5 minutes. It is brilliant.

You can also read more from his blog, http://kyledonn.com/.

Even when it's busy, you just gotta look for the little things.

xo,

lauren

Tuesday Treasures

July 28, 2015

For the ride up and back to Chicago (post coming soon), Apple Music was my best friend. When it first came out, I immediately made the switch from Spotify (all motivation goes to my inner teenage girl who occasionally wants to jam to Taylor Swift). It has taken me well over 2 weeks to get my playlists even half way decent, but with time, they'll get there.

To me, Apple Music isn't as appealing to the eye as Spotify. Spotify looks more sleek and user friendly, while Apple Music is bland.

Spotify also has some features that Apple Music doesn't. Spotify checks the playlist before you add the song, while it is very easy to double up tracks with Apple. Spotify's playlists are also a thousand times better. Apple's "playlists" are really only about ten songs long, which really isn't even a real playlist to me.

I've loved the library that is available on Apple Music, but that's really about it.

Friday Night Lights is absolutely golden, y'all. I'm only on season 2, but I am in love. I never have missed football season more or wished I grew up in a football town more than when I watch this show. Within only a matter of episodes, you fall in love with the Taylors and Tim Riggins. It's a quality show full of drama and love. I'm watching through it on Netflix, but it is also available on Amazon and other retailers.

I don't know how often you go to Chicago, but if you're ever in Chicago, I definitely recommend a stop at Rudy's Bar and Grille. For our "free night" on our trip, my group made a stop at Rudy's on East Madison, and it was wonderful. Our table split an order of fried pickles that were more expensive for the serving size and quality, but they were a great taste of home throughout the week of no sweet tea. For my entree, I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich without the bleu cheese and a side of their homemade chips. Now you see, I'm very picky about house made chips. I have had the best ones (Bricks' Cafe), and ever since then, I have only been impressed by a few, and Rudy's is one of them. They were so delicious. If you're ever looking for a decent, family friendly restaurant in Chicago, I highly recommend Rudy's. 

To close out this week of Chicago themed treasures, I have to include the bean. It's totally wrong if I don't. Another stop on our "free night" was at the large mirrored object in downtown Chicago. Despite the many hand prints and the streaks on it's reflection, the bean is pretty cute. In all honesty, I think the bean is pointless and a waste of money, but it makes for some cool pictures and creative captions, so it's all balances out. For example: 

"Hey how ya bean?" "Thanks for bean my friend" "Bean friends with you never gets old" "It's bean a while since my last selfie, so here you go" 

See? The possibilities are endless. 

Bean thankful for everything makes life so much happier.

Sorry, I couldn't help it :)

xo,

lauren

Tuesday Treasures

July 14, 2015

I have spent the past 7 months of my life watching Lorelai Gilmore's disastrous love life, and I have absolutely no regrets. After 153 episodes of Gilmore Girls, I finally know who Loreali ends up with, and I could not be more satisfied.

Stars Hollow and Gilmore Girls have become a part of me, like it or not. The girls' obsession with coffee has only fed my obsession with coffee, I can't help but think of Luke when I see an older blue pick up truck, and I see my mom as my best friend now. 

Gilmore Girls is one of the few clean humored shows that I thoroughly enjoy. Light enough to play in the background when I'm cleaning, but deep enough that I was in tears during the series finale. It's perfect.

Gilmore Girls follows the lives of single mom, Lorelai Gilmore, and daughter Lorelai Gilmore (known as Rory) from Rory's freshman year until she graduates college. When Rory gets into a prestigious, expensive, private school, Lorelai is left with no choice, but to turn to her wealthy parents after years of avoiding. They agree to fund her education...as long as Lorelai and Rory will join them for Friday night dinners.. If you're looking for a great TV show, Gilmore Girls is definitely it. All 7 seasons are on Netflix, as well as available for DVD purchase. 

I caved in..I bought Jack Rogers. I am totally not sorry for the $94 I spent on them either.

I ordered the Hampton's sandal in platinum, and they go with literally everything. I wore them to church on Sunday, I wore them to coffee yesterday, I wore them to a mission trip training. They go with everything. I discovered they run a little big, but nothing unbearable. I typically wear between a 7.5 and 8, and I figured it would be better to be too big than too small, so I went ahead and ordered an 8. There's a little bit of room at both ends, but not enough to trip or drag. 

Typically, from Jack Rogers' website, these sandals are $118, but I bought mine from Country Club Prep, where they are also $118, but I found a lovely coupon for 20% off, so I knocked the price down to $94. The 20% off code is for anything on their website, and you can use it over and over again. Awesome, right?

The code is "xcgal98". One of the girls I follow on Pinterest has a partnership with Country Club Prep, and encouraged me to use it, so feel free to get your 20% off.

Country Club Prep is an amazing source for all of my favorite brands. Until recently, I hadn't paid much attention to them, but they are definitely my go to shopping site now. With fast, free shipping and great quality products, I can't complain.

Check out all of CCP's Jack Rogers here, and the ones that I bought here. The black ones are the next on my list.

With the new addition of Apple Music (which I'm still trying to figure out), I've been using iTunes radio while trying to reconstruct all my playlists, and iTunes radio brought me a new artist who is one of the best.

Marie Miller.

Until this week, I had never heard of her or any of her songs, but "6-2" is one of my current favorites. Her folky style and easy, powerful voice draws me in and her creative story telling about her future husband and acceptance keep me listening. 

Check her album out on iTunes, and give her a follow on Twitter. I think she's just the cutest thing.

This week, I've needed some encouragement, and when I saw this, I just fell in love with it.
"I hope you know you're capable and brave and significant even when it feels like you're not."
I really love this, and I hope you always feel capable, brave, and significant.
 I found a sweet friend who made me feel this way this week and it made all the difference. Surround yourself with people who make you feel this way and help others feel this way, too. Life will be so much better if you do!

I'm off to Chicago for a mission trip on Saturday. Your prayers for safety and opportunity for conversation are greatly needed and appreciated! I can't wait to see what God is going to do through our team.

You're capable, brave, and significant. Live like it this week.

xo,

lauren

Tuesday Treasures

July 7, 2015

This past week has been a relaxing one. Though it was the 4th of July, and the U.S. Women's team won, this week here in Nolensville has been just like any other.

One thing that has dominated my life pretty recently is coffee. It shouldn't be a surprise that I love it, but I don't only treasure it for it's flavor (though it is one of my most favorite flavors). The conversations I have had this past week are the real treasures, and it just so happens that I had coffee in my hands during them. Such real, intentional conversation happens when you sit down with someone and lay your heart out, whether it is your best friend or someone you want to get to know. A good conversation can be hard to start, but saying you want to drink coffee is a pretty darn good reason to sit down with someone and converse.

In middle Tennessee, there are coffee shops everywhere, especially in Franklin, but The Well and Mama's Java are my two favorites. The Well is a missional coffee shop with a rustic feel and a friendly atmosphere. There are 2, one on Granny White Pike and one on OHB. When I went into the one on Old Hickory Boulevard, all I could think (and say) was "this is so cute!!" Mason jar lights, artsy chalk boards, and warehouse ceilings. If you're ever in Brentwood, I definitely recommend the Well for some intentional conversation. Their iced hazelnut latte is my recommendation

If you're ever to Brentwood's southern neighbor, Nolensville, your options for coffee shops becomes a bit more limited considering the small town you're in. Though it is Nolensville's only coffee shop, Mama's Java is one of my favorite environments. I've had many breakfasts with Poppa there and several cups of coffee with Em there, and I find myself going back every time. Their Americano is excellent year round, but their iced vanilla coffee is my go to summer time drink. Check their facebook page for the most up to date specials!

The book of Colossians has been one of my lifelines lately. With the world changing around us so rapidly, I can't help, but cling to this letter to the church in Colossae. A more in depth post coming about it soon, but if you're questioning what is true as our laws and world evolves, Colossians is a good place to start.

This past week, the University of Tennessee has revealed their #OneTennessee line, which is their new Nike uniforms and apparel. I love Nike, and I love UT, so I really have no problem with the brand change. Nike brought so many cute things to Tennessee, but my most favorites are these pullovers. 

This gray one definitely put on my "to buy" list, but it is almost sold out, and this orange one is totally cute, too. I know Nike probably wasn't going for "cute," but it is what it is. In all honesty, I would take one of everything they revealed.

                               

I don't really think it is a "Tuesday Treasures" without a new recipe, and this week's is one of my new favorites. It is a french onion chicken casserole. I know I say everything is my favorite, but I could eat my weight in this stuff. So. Good. And it even has those crispy french onions on top. Yum!

                                                                        

I really hope you have real conversations this week! It is so good to let down your guard for a few hours and drink some delicious coffee while you're at it. 

xoxo.

lauren

Tuesday Treasures

June 30, 2015

Pageant Material has been on repeat all week long. With witty song writing and a new perspective on the world, I'm surprised she didn't do as well on any charts besides iTunes. It makes sense with her awesome "I am who I am" attitude and how some may be turned off by that. Purely on her talent alone, Kacey has the upper hand in the industry considering that she co-wrote every song on the album, too.

Much like "Follow Your Arrow" on her first album, "Cup of Tea" has such an accepting tone and was definitely a strong reminder to be who you are and to accept that not everybody is going to like you. To me, "This Town" was much like a follow up story on "Merry Go Round" in the way that they're both wittily written about a small town that has word travel fast.  On the deeper side, "Fine" and "Somebody to Love" show her serious songwriting about heartbreak and the longing of love that most experience. Just give the album a listen and decide for yourself.

 I am utterly obsessed with this cute do. When I first found it on Pinterest, I didn't realized it had a link attached to it for directions, so I spent about 10 minutes to test out some potential options of how she did it. All credit to the girl in the picture, and here's the tutorial she made for full instructions!
This past week, I watched a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and I did this when we went to the pool. It took about 3 minutes and stayed in throughout the dunks and jumps in the pool. While it didn't look near as cool because I don't have ombre, it's cuteness and practicality are totally there.



I came across this quote on tumblr this week, and I fell in love.  A.W. Tozer  said
"How completely satisfying is it to turn from our own limitations to a God who has none?"
I just sat there for a few minutes after reading that and was in total awe. One of the limitations of being human is not knowing the future. For me, it can be so frustrating to not know what is in store, but to turn it over and trust God, who knows everything is so completely satisfying. Tozer is so right.


Baseball isn't near as big as a thing as football here in Tennessee, but it is a great social gathering. Sunday night we went to a Sounds game, Nashville's minor league baseball team.
This season is their first season in the new First Tennessee Park, which is  so nice. They have a guitar scoreboard and a nice hang out area by the right outfield, which made it much more bearable for someone who doesn't particularly enjoy baseball. (me)
Though I'm not a baseball person, it was a very nice night. We went with my parents' Sunday school class, and the weather was so good. The atmosphere was very kid friendly and would be fun family trip if you're ever looking for something fun to do in Nashville.

Make the most of the little things and find the joys in everything!
xoxo,
Lauren    

Tuesday Treasures

June 23, 2015

Life has been so so fun lately, and I just want to share what treasures have made it so fun this week.

I spent this past week in Philly, and it was amazing. It included lots of delicious foods, books, and shopping.

Karen Kingsbury has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. Angels Walking and Chasing Sunsets are no exception to the excellent stories she's told in the past. Angels Walking and Chasing Sunsets are the story of Tyler, Sami, Marcus, and Mary Catherine, all who are watched over by angels. These angels are sent from heaven to walk among us and to protect the future of the 4 friends. Great reads if you like sappy, happy ending books. I read them on the car ride up to Pennsylvania, and I'm counting down until the third book is released.

Lifeway has Angels Walking for $14.99, and it's sequel, Chasing Sunsets, for $22.99

We were in Pennsylvania after all, and that is home of Reading Terminal Market. For those of you who many not be familiar with the Market, it is like a food court on steroids. There was greek food, ice cream, salad bar, ribs, coffee shops. You name it, it was there. There was a fresh pretzel stand that I had my first soft pretzel at, and it should be pretty self explanatory as to why it made the list.

If you do stop at Reading Terminal Market, I recommend checking out the Rib Stand for lunch and Bassett's Ice Cream (for mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone) or Miller's Twist (for a cinnamon soft pretzel) for dessert. The Rib Stand has the best potato wedges I have EVER had. They are absolutely to die for.

Visit http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/ for more info!

I'm so mad at myself for putting off listening to this album for so long honestly. I first heard about them when Steven Curtis Chapman mentioned them at Sam's Place back in March, and 3 months later, I learn that I love Colony House. Classified as "alternative rock", I shyed away on the first few songs, but "Learning to Love" won my heart and captured all of my attention. Filled with uplifting lyrics and great tunes, Colony House definitely is one of my new favorites. 

After we ate lunch in Shady Maple, we went through the giant gift shop down stairs, and of course, I went straight to the candle section. While trying out all the different scents, I came upon my favorite. Not just my favorite candle and scent there, but of all time.

Olde Glory by Milkhouse Candle Company. I don't even know how to describe it, but I love it more than any other candle I've burned, and I'm very excited to fill my room with it's scent.
Coconut wood, pink grapefruit, and pineapple sunset by Kringle Daylight also smelled very good.

It's the little things that make life so good, right?